Community Outreach Strategies

One Critical Component of Program Development is Community Outreach. Without the proper Community Outreach, the most well thought out and best designed project plans could be delayed and incur increased costs. The importance of Community Outreach is to educate the community about the benefits of the project, and to solve any concerns that may arise. Your success in Community Outreach may be the decisive factor in determining whether or not your project or program gets off the ground.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH CASE STUDY: Project Management Strategic OutreachClient: A Bay Area Housing AuthorityProject: Section 8 Homeownership ProgramBackground: In April 1999, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), issued a proposed rule for the Voucher Homeownership Program, authorizing Public Housing Authorities (PHA's) to allow low- income households receiving rental vouchers to apply their vouchers toward homeownership. By September 2000, the final rule was issued and PHA's were given specific guidelines and requirements for establishing their own “Voucher Homeownership” (VHO) programs.Challenge: To develop an outreach program for the entire Housing Authority Portfolio. The Project Management Strategic Outreach included program planning and design, effective outreach materials, financing, pre and post homeownership counseling and assistance.The Campaign: A mailing was done to every household within the Housing Authority jurisdiction to assess interest in the homeownership program. Housing Authority participants that were interested were asked to return a post paid card or call an 800 number to attend an informational workshop. At the informational workshop, an overview of the program was given, and for those who wanted to move forward an application was given. The returned completed applications were screened. Those households that were preliminarily approved were asked to attend a series of workshops, meet with approved lenders, real estate agents and city staff to identify appropriate mortgage loans and grant opportunities.Impact: The Project Management Strategic Outreach campaign was implemented extensively and consistently. The first year 6 Housing Choice Voucher participants converted to homeownership. The Housing Authority has an additional waiting list of over 50 households wanting a homeownership opportunity.

PRINCIPAL EXPERIENCE AND HISTORY OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH (Highlights)

Broad range of Community Outreach experience over 20 years, including Financial Institutions, Redevelopment Agencies, Municipalities, and Non Profits. Outstanding success in building comprehensive understanding and knowledge of community
issues. Has developed and implemented a wide range of initiatives and productive partnerships that have achieved desired outcomes throughout all sectors of targeted communities. Has been effective in achieving community
outreach objectives while building relationships within the communities served.

With Banking Institution Community Reinvestment Officer for San Francisco Federal Savings and Loan

Implemented and Administered all aspects of the bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Compliance Program. (CRA is a United States federal law designed to encourage commercial banks and savings associations to help meet the needs of borrowers in all segments of their communities, and to reduce discriminatory credit practices against low-income neighborhoods).

Community Outreach Efforts

Establishing participation, and maintaining relationships with faith based and community based organizations, as well as charitable and non-profit organizations

Developing models to collect community concerns and feedback

Bringing the community timely and accurate information, and to develop outreach models to collect community concerns and feedback from the community

Conveyance of community feedback and concerns to appropriate Senior Management within the bank, and serving as catalyst for management's addressing of those concerns

Development and implementation of programs to ensure Bank met the need of all communities within its service area

With Municipalities City
of Hayward CA Neighborhood Partnership Manager

Development of and supporting of self sufficient neighborhood initiatives to supplement and complement the City services designed to
preserve and enhance the appearance and livability of the City’s neighborhoods